By DENNIS WYATT

209 staff reporter

Think of Yosemite National Park and you have visions of green trees against granite backdrops.

That isn’t the case, however, if you venture there during November.

*In Yosemite Valley big leaf maples burst out in yellow along the southern wall of the valley between Bridalveil Creek to beyond Happy Isles. Oaks add golden yellow, orange and brown to the Yosemite Valley pastel of colors while dogwoods burst forth in pinks, reds, and yellows.

*At Glacier Point there is a blaze of yellow from low-growing shrubs and a sprinkling of oranges from aspen.

*Tuolumne Meadows offers splashes of reds, yellows, and oranges from grouseberries and such as well as a few aspens turning yellow.

The fall colors usually arrive by late October. They stick around typically until the first heavy winter snow coats the park or hard frosts return. That doesn’t usually happen until early December

Last weekend’s snow temporarily closed Tioga pass Road (Highway 120) through Tuolumne Meadows. For up-to-date status on road conditions or chain restrictions call 209.372.0200.

A drive along Tioga Road this time of year even if colors aren’t in full force is a pleasant experience. There’s a definite chill in the air plus the crowds have thinned making many attractions along the road such as Tenaya Lake all the more pleasant to enjoy.

Tioga Road will eventually close for the winter when major storms start dumping snow.